Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
New PM likely to have more powerful grip over state affairs
President Lee Jae Myung poses for a commemorative photo with Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, left, after presenting an official letter of appointment to Kim at the presidential office in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of the presidential office
By Anna J. Park
With parliamentary confirmation secured and his official letter of appointment delivered by President Lee Jae Myung on Friday, Kim Min-seok formally began his tenure as South Korea’s Prime Minister. His appointment is widely seen as the beginning of a potentially transformative chapter for the Prime Minister’s Office, which may soon see its authority significantly expanded.
During the appointment ceremony, Lee urged the new prime minister to act swiftly and decisively.
“Even before all ministers are appointed, please work closely with vice ministers to address urgent issues,” presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said at a press briefing.
Kang added that Lee emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in public service.
“Officials must acknowledge mistakes promptly, take responsibility and implement corrective measures when necessary.”
In response, Kim pledged to accelerate the pace of governance, referring to himself as the “early-morning prime minister.” The nickname reflects his pre-appointment routine of early briefings and field visits, part of a broader effort to project an image of hands-on, energetic leadership in close alignment with the president.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, right, signs the guestbook after paying his respects during his visit to the Seoul National Cemetery in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
Kim’s role, however, may soon extend far beyond traditional administrative duties. Both the National Policy Planning Committee and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) are considering reforms that would significantly bolster the Prime Minister’s Office, granting it oversight of key government functions such as budget planning, investigations and trade policy.
One major proposal under serious review involves transferring budgetary authority from the Ministry of Economy and Finance to a newly established “Budget Office” under the Prime Minister’s Office. If enacted, the change would represent a fundamental shift in executive power.
Further reforms under discussion would consolidate investigative and trade-related responsibilities under the prime minister as well. If implemented, the changes would give Kim greater authority than even former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon held during the Moon Jae-in administration — potentially making him the most powerful prime minister in South Korea’s history.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, center, listens to the concerns of farmers' group protests held in front of the presidential office in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
Yet, the new prime minister is still said to be cautious about the growing speculation surrounding his expanding role.
Kim’s own description of himself as a “chief of staff” reflects this perspective, aiming to stress that the structure of the Prime Minister’s Office will also ultimately be shaped by the president’s vision.
Kim’s confirmation was approved by a vote of 173 in favor out of 179 lawmakers present in the 298-member National Assembly on Thursday. The main opposition People Power Party boycotted the vote, deeming Kim “unfit” for office.